Matelica

The area sits in the upper Esino valley with the central Apennines close by, and the mountains of the Parco naturale regionale della Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi are within the local landscape to the east. The Esino river runs through the valley. Frasassi and its gorge are in this wider inland belt but outside the immediate 15 km landscape, so they matter more as an excursion than as the setting itself. The nearest larger centre is Fabriano, which has rail links, services and an established historic centre; Macerata and Ancona are farther off for higher-order services. Matelica is known for Verdicchio di Matelica, with vineyards on the valley floor and lower slopes.